Before this year’s Women’s Six Nations there was a simple question: can anyone unseat England? Two rounds in, the Red Roses have answered emphatically — and done so during a period of turnover not seen for a decade.
Injuries and a string of pregnancies have robbed England of several experienced names, yet their depth has carried them through. Even without World Cup‑winning captain Zoe Stratford (née Aldcroft) and a long list of others, the champions edged a rusty opener against Ireland and then blew past Scotland with a record 84-7 win at Murrayfield, scoring 12 tries and claiming their 35th consecutive Test victory.
Saturday’s round three match sees England face Wales at Ashton Gate, Bristol. Ahead of the game, two players at very different stages of their international careers addressed the media: 28‑year‑old World Cup‑winning prop Sarah Bern (81 caps) and 19‑year‑old back‑row Demelza Short, who made her Test debut last weekend in Edinburgh.
Bern said the squad has adapted quickly to the turnover. Squad pregnancies, several injuries and a desire to blood younger players have opened opportunities that England have been happy to exploit. She described the environment as one that gives players “a licence to go attack, thrive, be yourself and be brave,” while stressing that standards remain exceptionally high for everyone.
Bern acknowledged the sense of unfinished business despite the World Cup title: England want to improve their attack and are using this campaign to push those areas. A number of injuries have accelerated the progression of younger players, she added, and that has demanded hard work off the pitch, clear leadership and an understanding of detail so players can perform under pressure in training and matches.
“Rugby doesn’t care what you did last week,” Bern said. “It doesn’t care if you won a World Cup. It’s how you show up on the day.” She also pointed to the entertainment value of showcasing different players and styles, saying they want supporters to see exciting, attacking rugby and to show the world that women’s rugby is a compelling spectacle in its own right.
Bern has led from the front on the scoreboard, scoring two tries in each of England’s opening fixtures — against Ireland at Twickenham and against Scotland at Murrayfield — illustrating how the forced changes have also revealed new strengths.
Short, by contrast, is still absorbing how quickly her career has accelerated. A year ago she was playing college rugby and representing England at U18 level; in the space of 12 months she has progressed through U20 camps and into the senior squad, making her Test debut in Edinburgh.
“I don’t think I’ll ever really take in what’s happened,” Short said. “It hasn’t really sunk in yet. It’s been a whirlwind.” She admitted she hadn’t expected senior selection so soon, but after the call‑up managed to make her debut during this campaign.
Red Roses absentees
Pregnancy: Zoe Stratford, Abbie Ward, Rosie Galligan, Lark Atkin‑Davies.
Injury: Hannah Botterman, Morwenna Talling, Natasha Hunt, May Campbell, Tatyana Heard, Ales Matthews.
With those absences, England have leaned on squad depth, leadership and an emphasis on shared responsibility. The result so far has been emphatic wins and the integration of new faces who are being encouraged to play with freedom while maintaining the high standards expected of a Red Roses side.
England’s 2026 Women’s Six Nations fixtures
– England 33-12 Ireland (April 11) – Allianz Stadium, Twickenham
– Scotland 7-84 England (April 18) – Murrayfield, Edinburgh
– vs Wales (Saturday April 25) – Ashton Gate, Bristol (2.15pm)
– vs Italy (Saturday May 9) – Stadio Sergio Lanfranchi, Parma (3pm)
– vs France (Sunday May 17) – Stade Atlantique, Bordeaux (5.45pm)